The Forecast Report

Stay connected through our community initiatives, sustainability updates, styling tips, and exciting partnerships!

How to Make Shoes Waterproof: Effective Techniques for Long-lasting Protection

Alright, so wet weather can really ruin your shoes, but if you're lucky enough to rock a pair of Vessi shoes, you’re good to go—those kicks are waterproof from the get-go, no need to worry about rain or puddles. But if you're not in the Vessi squad yet, don’t stress, I’ve got you covered! Here’s the deal on how to keep your shoes safe when the weather turns:

  1. Know your shoe material: Not all shoes are created equal, so it’s important to know what they’re made of before you treat them. Leather needs a heavier-duty solution than canvas, for example. Basically, figure out what you’ve got, and pick the right treatment for it.

  2. Pick the right product: There are sprays, waxes, and creams—you can get lost in options. If you want something quick, sprays are a good call. But for something a little more long-lasting, waxes and creams are your best friend. Beeswax is a top choice because it’s natural and works well on leather and fabric, giving them that nice protective layer.

  3. Do regular maintenance: This one’s key. Don’t wait until it’s pouring rain to remember your shoes need waterproofing. Treat them ahead of time, and you won’t be scrambling to save them in the middle of a storm. A little regular care goes a long way in keeping your shoes fresh and ready for whatever the weather throws at them.

So, if you want to keep your shoes looking fresh and dry, a bit of waterproofing prep is the way to go. Vessi’s got it down already, but if you’re not there yet, these simple steps will have your shoes covered!

How Do Waterproof Shoes Function?

how do waterproof shoes work

Waterproof shoes are made to keep your feet dry by blocking water from getting in. They won’t make you totally dry in every situation, but they do a solid job of protecting you from rain and wet weather.

They usually have a special membrane, like Gore-Tex or eVent, with tiny pores that keep water out but let sweat escape. So, your feet stay dry from the rain without getting all sweaty.

The seams are sealed to keep leaks out, and they put a durable water repellent (DWR) on the outside to make water bead up and roll off, rather than soaking in.

Selecting the Right Treatment for Waterproofing Your Footwear

If you want to keep your waterproof shoes in good shape, here’s what you gotta think about:

  1. Material Compatibility: Different shoes need different treatments, so if the label doesn’t match your shoes, it’s a good idea to double-check before you go all in.

  2. Usage Intent: Think about how you’re using them. If you’re out there doing some serious outdoor stuff, go for a high-performance treatment. For everyday wear, something lighter should work fine.

  3. Breathability: If your shoes are meant to breathe (like if you’re going for that fresh, airy feel), make sure the treatment you use won’t mess with that.

  4. Color: If you want your shoes to stay looking sharp, pick a treatment that’ll help keep the color from fading over time.

  5. Eco-friendliness: Try to go for treatments that are non-toxic and better for the planet, if you can!

And before you dive into a full treatment, test it on a small, hidden spot to make sure it doesn’t mess with your shoes. Better safe than sorry, right?

How to Make Your Shoes Water-Resistant

So, you probably won’t get complete waterproofing, but you can definitely make your shoes way more water-resistant. Here are some quick ways to protect them from moisture.

1. Waterproof Spray

waterproof spray

A good waterproof spray is a must-have for shoe maintenance. If you’ve got suede shoes, they need a special spray because regular ones can mess with the material. These sprays create a nice barrier against water, dirt, and stains, keeping your shoes looking fresh.

How to Apply:

  • Make sure you're in a well-ventilated space.
  • Follow the instructions on the bottle to a T.

Best For: Canvas and suede shoes—these are where the spray really shines!

2. Nikwax Products

If you want to waterproof your shoes, Nikwax waxes and gels are solid options, whether you’ve got leather or fabric. Not only will they keep the water out, but they’ll also help bring your shoes back to looking like new. Plus, they’re super easy to use!

How to Apply:

  1. Clean your shoes really well.
  2. Pick the right Nikwax product for your shoe material.
  3. Use a sponge or cloth to apply it, making sure to hit the seams.
  4. Let your shoes dry naturally (keep them away from heat).

Want to check if it worked? Just sprinkle some water on them—if it beads up and rolls off, you nailed it!

Best For: Leather shoes—this stuff works like a charm on them!

3. Silicone Spray

If you’ve got a mix of materials in your shoes, silicone-based waterproof sprays are the way to go. They’re super versatile and work on pretty much any type of shoe.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Make sure your shoes are nice and clean, and dry them off first.
  2. Lightly spray an even coat over the whole shoe, focusing on the seams.
  3. Let them air dry—just keep them away from heat.

If you want some extra protection, throw on a second coat once the first one’s dry.

Best For: Seriously, this works on all types of shoes!

4. Beeswax Treatment

beeswax treatment

If you’re into natural methods, beeswax is a great way to waterproof your shoes—and it actually works really well!

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Warm up the beeswax and rub it onto your shoes until it melts.
  2. Make sure you cover the whole shoe, especially around the seams and creases.
  3. Grab a hairdryer to evenly spread the wax and get rid of any extra.

Once it cools and solidifies, your shoes will be way more resistant to moisture.

Best For: Canvas shoes—this stuff works magic on them!

5. Candle Wax Application

If you’re out of beeswax, no worries—regular candles can totally do the trick too!

How to Apply:

  1. Just rub the candle all over your shoes until you see a nice layer of wax.
  2. Then use a hairdryer on high to heat up the wax until your shoes look like they did before.

It’s such an easy way to add a moisture-resistant barrier to your shoes.

Best For: Canvas shoes and trainers—seriously, this works great for both!

6. Vaseline Method

If you're in a pinch, Vaseline can actually work pretty well for temporary waterproofing on leather shoes.

Here’s what you do:

  1. Make sure your shoes are clean and dry.
  2. Rub a thin layer of Vaseline over the surface.
  3. Use a cloth or sponge to spread it evenly.
  4. Wipe off any extra.

It’ll help keep the water out for a bit, but you’ll probably need to reapply it after a few uses.

Best For: Leather shoes—works like a charm!

7. Oil Treatment

If you're looking for a natural way to waterproof your shoes, beeswax, mink oil, or coconut oil can do the trick!

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Clean and dry your shoes really well.
  2. Apply a thin layer of the oil, making sure to focus on the seams.
  3. Gently heat the shoes with a hairdryer or just leave them out in the sun to help the oil soak in.

You'll need to apply it regularly to keep it working.

Best For: Dark-colored shoes—this stuff works especially well on them!

8. Creams for Waterproofing

creams for waterproofing

When you're trying to waterproof your shoes, definitely go for a good-quality shoe cream that's made for the material you’re working with.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Make sure your shoes are clean and dry.
  2. Apply an even layer of cream all over, especially on the seams.
  3. Let it absorb according to the instructions on the product.

This’ll help keep your boots protected and nourished for longer. Just remember to reapply it regularly.

Best For: Leather boots—this is where it really shines!

9. Pastes for Shoes

If you're looking for another simple and effective way to waterproof your shoes, using paste is a great option. It works for pretty much any type of shoe, so it’s a pretty versatile choice.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Start with clean, dry shoes. You want to make sure there’s no dirt or moisture that could interfere with the paste.
  2. Apply the paste evenly all over the surface, paying extra attention to the seams, since that’s where water tends to get in.
  3. Let it sit for the amount of time recommended by the product instructions.

You might need to reapply every once in a while, depending on how often you wear the shoes or how much they’re exposed to the elements.

Best for: Any colored shoes—this works on both light and dark shades.

And a quick tip: always test it on a small, hidden part of the shoe first to make sure it won’t affect the color or texture. It’s just a good idea to check before applying it to the whole shoe.

Wax vs. Beeswax: Which is the Superior Choice for Waterproofing Your Shoes?

When considering wax-based options for waterproofing, you have two primary choices:

  • Wax offers some protection against the elements and enhances the shine of your shoes. However, it requires frequent reapplication to maintain waterproofing.

  • Beeswax creates a protective barrier on the surface rather than absorbing, providing better water resistance. Keep in mind that it may not deliver the same glossy finish and can alter your shoes' appearance after several applications.

Whatever your priorities - durability, aesthetic appeal or performance in wet conditions - this should also be reflected in your choice.

Steps to Waterproof Leather Boots and Shoes

steps to waterproof leather boots

If you want to waterproof your leather shoes, it's actually pretty easy—just follow these six simple steps for the best results:

  1. Take out the laces and give the shoes a good clean to get rid of any dirt or grime.
  2. Mix a little saddle soap with water and use it to get rid of scuff marks. It works like a charm!
  3. Be careful not to soak the leather, and definitely don’t dry the shoes in direct sunlight—it can mess with the material.
  4. Use a quality polish with a soft cloth to give them a nice shine.
  5. Buff out any excess polish with a clean cloth, doing small circles to make them look extra smooth.
  6. Finish up by applying your waterproofing product—either rub it on or spray it, depending on what you're using.

These steps will help keep your leather shoes looking great and protected from the elements!

Techniques for Waterproofing Walking Boots

If you're really into hiking, you know how important it is to keep your boots waterproof. Here's how to make sure they stay that way:

  1. Start by cleaning your boots—brush off any mud or dirt with a stiff bristle brush, and then wipe them down with a rag to get them nice and clean.
  2. Next, warm up the leather a bit. Use a hair dryer on a low setting to gently heat it up, which helps the leather absorb the waterproofing product better.
  3. Once that’s done, take a clean rag and apply a good coat of waterproof sealant to your boots. Make sure you’re covering everything evenly.
  4. After that, buff off any excess sealant and let your boots dry completely. 

For extra protection, I recommend using dubbin wax. Just follow the same cleaning and warming steps, then:

  1. Take a cloth and rub the dubbin wax all over the boots.
  2. Let it dry naturally (this usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes).
  3. Once dry, buff it off with a dry cloth.

If your boots are made of a synthetic material, you can skip the wax part. Just use a waterproofing spray, and follow the same cleaning and warming steps. Always check the instructions on the spray to get the best results.

The Right Time for Waterproofing Your Shoes

Honestly, as soon as you get your new shoes, you should waterproof them. It’ll save you from getting stuck in the rain or snow when you least expect it. And don't forget to reapply the waterproofing every few months to keep them performing at their best. The extra protection means your feet will stay dry and comfy, even when the weather’s being a little unpredictable.

How to Care for Waterproof Shoes

How to care for waterproof shoes

Taking care of your waterproof shoes isn’t too hard, but it really makes a difference. Here’s a simple routine:

  • Clean Regularly: Just use a soft brush or cloth with some mild soap to wipe off dirt and debris. Super easy.
  • Reapply Waterproofing: After they’re clean, put on a fresh layer of waterproofing treatment to keep that protective barrier working.
  • Air Dry: Let your shoes dry naturally—don’t go for heat sources since they can mess with the materials.

And don’t forget about storing your shoes. Keep them in a cool, dry spot to prevent any unnecessary wear and tear and to keep them performing like they should.

I know it’s easy to put off maintenance but trust me, it’s worth it. A little bit of effort now will keep your feet dry and comfortable all winter long.

If you're thinking of wearing your waterproof shoes for more outdoor activities, maybe check out some winter walking tips. It can help you get the most out of them.

Seek Adventure.
Innovate.
Live Your Best Life.

Sign up for our newsletters to follow The Forecast, our new arrivals, and exclusive promotions.

Your Cart

Filling Cart